Thursday, November 14, 2013

TransFiguration: The Creative Process

"TransFiguration" by Jim Carpenter, Acrylic on Paper, Mounted on Canvas, 14" x 11"

Transfiguration: A Change of Shape or Form


"Trans" is the Latin preposition meaning, among other things, "across." We see it everyday in such common words as "transatlantic" "transmigration" "transportation" "transfer" "translation" - and now your mind is reeling with all of the "trans" words you know that I haven't mentioned, right?  

The word "Transfiguration" was first used to describe "the change in appearance of Christ before his disciples," but later its meaning broadened to include the secular -  "a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state."  

I think that this painting suggests the mysterious and miraculous types of trans-formation we might experience ourselves or witness in others.   And I think the relationship between the two characters is an interesting one to consider.  How does "trans-figuration" apply to each of them?  What is being trans-figured here?  

The capital "F" that I placed in the middle of "TransFiguration" has a purpose: to remind the viewer of "the Figure" and to suggest the notion of "figuration" - the act of drawing figures.  And, I also wanted to connect this painting with an earlier work that I titled, "Figuration."  
"Figuration" by Jim Carpenter, Acrylic on Paper, 9.25" x 17" 


"Figuration" has always made me think of "the figure" being created from out of the chaos.  We start with chaos and somehow manage to pull out of it - "draw out of it"? - some meaning, literal or figurative.  

It's good to be back!  







4 comments:

  1. Wonderful work Jim! And a very thought provoking post as well :) Your art always makes me stop, and look... again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Sheila! The creative process is a curious thing, isn't it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jim I love the texture you get in these paintings especially the area on the left in this one. I like this aleatoric approach. the idea of chance and decision directing the course of the work. To throw things down and see what comes out of it. I would love to watch you work some time. or see a video.

    ReplyDelete